"Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them."
While an alleged drink driver created a moment of drama, nothing could take away from the solemnity of this morning's Anzac Day dawn service in Stratford.
A large crowd gathered for the 6am service, which began with members of the No 48 Squadron Air Cadet Unit falling into place as an honour guard at the cross of sacrifice.
Cpl Anthony Russell then welcomed attendees, before Rev John Mattock led the crowd in prayer.
Samantha Hatcher, a student at Taranaki Diocesan School then led the crowd in singing Amazing Grace before the dedication to the fallen.